Split Biocolonization Sensor for Subsea Cable Heat Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biocolonization on submarine power cables, caused by marine concretions such as algae and mussels, alters heat exchange and cable performance, necessitating real-time or delayed measurement for maintenance and replacement assessment.
Innovation Solution
A temperature measurement device with a heating element and temperature sensors, configured in two parts to minimize biocolonization, collects and processes temperature data over time to characterize biocolonization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature measurement device is attached to a submerged component to assess biocolonization, then measurement capability is provided, but the device itself becomes subject to biocolonization which compromises measurement accuracy and complicates maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two distinct parts: part P1 containing electronic components (heating circuit, measurement module, storage module, transmission module) and part P2 containing only the heating element. This segmentation allows the electronic components to be protected from biocolonization while the heating element can be easily replaced if colonized, maintaining measurement accuracy without compromising the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is extracted as a separate, replaceable component (part P2) that can be independently managed. This allows the heating function to be maintained while isolating the biocolonization-prone element from the sensitive electronic measurement and control components, enabling easy replacement of the heating element without affecting the measurement system.
2Device complexity
If the device includes integrated heating and measurement components, then device complexity is reduced, but locating and maintaining the device underwater becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into part P1 (electronic components with anti-biocolonization treatment) and part P2 (heating element). This segmentation makes the device easier to locate underwater by distinguishing between the treated portion and the heating portion, and simplifies maintenance by allowing replacement of only the heating element if needed, without disturbing the electronic components.
3Ease of repair
If part P1 is treated to limit biocolonization, then the device becomes easier to locate and maintain, but the treatment may affect thermal measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-biocolonization treatment is applied only to part P1 (electronic components), while part P2 (heating element) remains untreated. This segmentation ensures that the treatment does not interfere with thermal measurements, as the heating element and its immediate surroundings maintain natural thermal properties for accurate biocolonization assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the device have different surface properties: part P1 has anti-biocolonization treatment for ease of identification and maintenance, while part P2 has natural surface properties for accurate thermal interaction with the marine environment and biocolonization development.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Optimizes temperature measurement and data processing, simplifying underwater maintenance and enabling precise characterization of biocolonization, including species identification and heat transfer coefficient calculation.
Implementation Method 1
the passage of a significant amount of electricity through the cable causes it to heat up
Implementation Method 2
This heating of the cable, in turn, causes localized heating of the seawater in contact with it
Implementation Method 3
at least one temperature sensing module, controlled by a temperature measurement module, the sensing module being intended to capture the temperature near the heating module
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a temperature measuring device configured to be applied to an immersed component. Such a device comprises: - a heating element (ElCh) controlled by a heating circuit (CElC); - at least one temperature sensing module (M1, M2) controlled by a temperature measuring module (CEMT), the sensing module being intended to sense the temperature in the vicinity of the heating element (ElCh), over a predetermined period; - at least one memory module (M) for storing the temperatures obtained by the temperature measuring module (CEMT); - a data transmission module (MTrans) for transmitting the data stored in the memory module (M). Such a device also comprises a part P1 comprising, on the one hand, means for powering the temperature measuring device and, on the other hand, a module notably comprising the heating circuit, the temperature measuring module, the memory module and the transmission module. This part P1 is distinct from a so-called heating and measuring part P2, and at least a portion of the part P1 has a treatment to limit biocolonization. The disclosure also comprises systems and methods involving implementing such a device.